Rick Hill OBE with lifeguard James Madeley and Neil McDonald

Two Lichfield men have completed the equivalent of swimming the English Channel.

Rick Hill OBE with lifeguard James Madeley and Neil McDonald
Rick Hill OBE with lifeguard James Madeley and Neil McDonald

Rick Hill OBE and Neil McDonald swam just under 21 miles at Virgin Active in Lichfield in just under 12 hours.

The intrepid pair were raising money for the Lichfield Foodbank and Lives Released.

The Foodbank is in the process of being set up in Lichfield and will be a community response to those in dire need. Lives Released helps to cut the levels of re-offending.

Neil said: “When Rick asked me if I would do the swim with him, I thought he was joking. But I trained hard and really wanted to have a go at the challenge.

“Finishing it was a relief – I’ve never swum that far before and I don’t think I will be stupid enough to try it again!”

Rick added: “I’ve done a number of swimming challenges over the past 30 years, but this was the ultimate.

“Swimming the actual Channel in the winter is nigh on impossible, so 1300 lengths in a swimming pool is a good substitute. Would I do it again? No way! But it was good to raise money for two local charities that make a difference on the ground.”

Dan Toth, Virgin Active manager, said: “We were delighted to be involved in helping with this challenge. Virgin Active is a keen supporter of local community projects.

“The links to sport and local charities were additional bonuses.”

Neil and Rick hope their efforts will raise about £1,500 for the two charities.